I’ve worked with a few cases of emetophobia recently so I thought I would have a go at creating a blog for information (first time I’ve done a blog so here goes)………..
What is emetophobia?
The dictionary definition of emetophobia is: “extreme fear of vomiting.”
Emetophobia can be expressed through a fear of being sick or seeing or hearing someone else being sick. This can lead to a number of behaviours which can have an impact on ‘normal’ day to day living.
Some of the behaviours clients have described to me include:
- avoiding eating certain foods
- checking certain foods are cooked properly
- checking sell by dates on food
- avoiding eating outside of the home
- seeking reassurance from a loved one that a certain food is OK to eat
- not travelling long distances in cars
- not going on rides at the fairground
- making sure they are close to an exit if they are in an enclosed space
- making sure they are not around anyone who is ill or they perceive to be ill
- seeking reassurance from a loved one that someone is not ill
How is emetophobia treated?
Emetophobia can be treated using Exposure and Response Prevention. This is a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) technique. It involves gradually exposing yourself to words, images, sounds and situations that are associated with vomiting. You start with the easiest exposure first, continually practising it, this allows your anxiety to decrease over time. This is called habituation. It happens when repeated exposure to a feared stimulus results in a lower emotional response. Once you have achieved this for your first exposure you are then ready to move onto the next and the next.
If this is something that is effecting you or someone close to you, please get in touch.